Key information
Our innovative international MSc Sign Language Interpreting (EUMASLI) programme is intended to contribute to the development of the professional field of interpreting between deaf and hearing people in Europe.
- Level
- Postgraduate Taught
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- MSc
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 1 year
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
Our innovative international MSc Sign Language Interpreting (EUMASLI) programme is intended to contribute to the development of the professional field of interpreting between deaf and hearing people in Europe. This master’s degree will prepare you to participate in research, development and management functions in your respective country.
Our programme’s strength lies in its international outlook and its collaborative spirit. Organised and delivered by Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences (Germany), Humak University of Applied Sciences (Finland) and Heriot-Watt University (Scotland), the programme brings together teachers and students from around the world in a joint effort to move the field of sign language interpreting forward. It affords scope for individual development and encourages cooperation across geographical, cultural and conceptual borders.
Over the study period of two and a half years, you’ll travel to participate in block seminars at all partner universities and engage in online activities and self-study.
Applications
The next intake of students will be in September 2027. The EUMASLI MSc programme runs in three year cycles. Each cohort of students completes their studies across the three universities before the next cohort begins.
Your student experience
Our MSc Sign Language Interpreting (EUMASLI) degree is taught by experienced, leading academics who, in many cases, have published the research which shapes their disciplines and written the books which will guide your learning. Many academics balance teaching time with continued professional practice as translators, interpreters, practitioner psychologists, tax and finance specialists and management consultants. They bring real-world experience to the classroom.
Go Global
With Go Global, Heriot-Watt's global student programme, you can carry your studies to new places and experience new cultures, expanding your horizons on the way. You'll discover what it means to be a true global citizen and emerge prepared for wherever your career journey will take you.
Inter-Campus Transfer
Course content
September Intake
Mandatory September
- Interpreting Between International Sign and English
- Introducing International Sign
- Research Methods: Sign Language Interpreting and Translation as Profession and Performance
- Interpreting and Translation Studies
Mandatory January
- Developing the Profession
- Translating Between International Sign and English
- Master's Thesis
- Personal Development and Academic Skills
- Similarity and Diversity in European Sign Languages
- Similarity and Diversity in European Deaf Communities
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time |
|---|---|
| UK | £10,528 |
| International | £21,192 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Additional information
Due to university regulations and national legislation, it is unfortunately impossible to harmonise the fee situation between the different universities. The situation regarding tuition fees varies, depending on the university with which students apply to and enrol.
EUMASLI is a 2.5 year part-time programme across 5 semesters. Fees are due for every semester of enrolment.
For fees for commencement in September 2027, please refer to the EUMASLI website.
In addition to the fees, students are expected to finance travel to and accommodation during block-seminars and other events themselves. Please note that unfortunately we are not able to provide interpreting services into the various sign languages used by deaf participants. However, we aim to provide interpretation between English and International Sign for block seminars, where required.
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
- First academic degree: preferably but not necessarily in sign language interpreting or related subjects.
- Minimum of three year's work experience as a practising professional sign language interpreter by the time of admission to the programme.
- English language equivalent to level 6.5 of the International English Language Testing System, IELTS, corresponding to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Languages.
While the programme is not specifically designed for Deaf interpreters, we welcome applications by Deaf people who fulfil the general requirements.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.
Why Heriot-Watt
We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.
We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.
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